After an increase in migraine frequency last fall, my doctor recommended I have a CT scan even though he imagined it would come back normal. I certainly didn’t expect to find anything, but found I have a pineal gland cyst. I now have to monitor this calcified cyst for growth and change once a year with CT scans. At this point, we are unsure if the cyst is what has been causing the migraines since we only have one set of images. My lesson is: if your doctor recommends a CT scan, have it done. You never know.

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Comments

As you know, most images taken because of Migraine do not show anything abnormal. Your experience however is a great illustration of WHY doctors must get these images done, and why we as patients need to comply when we’re asked to do them.

I’m glad they’ll be keeping a close eye on the cyst. I’m wondering about the yearly CT scans though. Is there no other way for them to monitor it?

Hi Ellen,
Since there is no “baseline” scans in my case, all the 2010 scans are my baseline. I am going to determine how I feel over the next few months before I go radiating my head more than necessary. I do not like the IV part either! Due to the location of the pineal gland, it’s very difficult to remove or treat. It’s extremely close to the optical nerves (but could possibly explain my visual disturbances). The calcification showed the radiologists’ that the cyst has been there for at least five years…